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Watch and see a versatile, multi-purpose router jig in action. Unlike many task-specific devices, multi-purpose router jigs (like the one shown in this video) can cut dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints, finger joints and much more. Watch the chips fly and think of all the ways you could use this tool in your woodworking shop.

How Does It Work?

With this multi-purpose router jig setup, the router is mounted on top and it sits upright, and because it’s a plunge router, you can enter and exit the work to start and stop cuts. One unique feature of this machine is that the wood is traversed using the control of the machine. In other words, unlike other woodworking jigs, with this setup you clamp the workpiece and then turn the handle to move the wood toward the cutter. Then, when everything is lined up, you plunge in and machine the workpiece.

Locating the Router for Accuracy

With all woodworking power tools, accuracy is crucial. Unlike simple router jigs, this machine offers several ways to locate your cut. There is a laser “X” you can locate over the workpiece, a digital readout (which makes repeatability a cinch), and a direct-read cursor.

What Can It Do?

After you see just a few of the things this multi-purpose router jig can do, router jigs that only do one thing may seem subpar. Watch as we make through-dovetail tails and sockets, a mortise in end grain for a loose-tenon joint (yes, it is possible), and a raised panel using a non-dangerous climb cut. What about extra-long material? Watch and see how we feed long pieces through the machine using feather boards mounted under the table.

Do you feel it would have been better mounted to the wall? I really like the way you mounted it to your bench. Can you provide more detail about the material and mounting suggestion. I have a router boss but have not attached it to a wall yet because of your video.

My primary reason for bench mounting the tool was to make it easier to shoot video. Bench mount allowed a 360-degree view. A wall mount would make a lot of sense for day to day use, since the machine would be set and waiting for you to use it. It’s pretty heavy, so moving it to and from a bench mount frequently would be a little cumbersome.

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